February 24, 2017
After we left our great beach house, we headed toward Dunedin to see the Larnach Castle. Here is some information about the castle:
New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Larnach spared no expense on his dream home, which features the finest materials from around the world.
The Castle is still privately owned and cared for by the Barker family who purchased it as their home in 1967. Decades have been spent on the Castle's restoration, with the family having restored empty buildings from ruin and assembled a large collection of original New Zealand period furniture and antiques. This living collection showcases the craftsmanship and spirit of New Zealand.
Open to the public throughout, this conservation project has been funded through admission fees. The family has always been committed to opening their home and sharing this significant period of Dunedin and New Zealand's history.
Open to the public throughout, this conservation project has been funded through admission fees. The family has always been committed to opening their home and sharing this significant period of Dunedin and New Zealand's history.
The drive up to the castle has sheep galore on the hillsides. There are never a lack of sheep anywhere you drive where there is property in a town.
Ava in the Queen of Hearts chair
The grounds were beautiful and we enjoyed the gardens before we went inside the castle to tour.
Alyssa found the pretty old piano
The chandelier above had an interesting story. It was powered by methane gas instead of candles because it was too hard to light that many candles that high up. They collected animal feces (and eventually their own) to create methane and then ran a line into the house and directly to the chandelier.
Naughty Savannah kept sitting on the furniture, even though we weren't supposed to. We had to threaten her with a smack down.
Such ornate woodwork all throughout.
Even up the staircase
A gown in the ladies dressing room.
Her vanity
The wedding dress of the 2nd wife.
Up on top of the tower. There was a very small and windy staircase up to the top.
Great view of Dunedin bay
The nursery in the house
Beautiful Gazebo on the front garden lawn
We had a great visit to Larnach Castle. No just one more stop as we head home to Christchurch (5 hour drive)
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